Why: After watching Royce Gracie in the earliest UFC* with my brother, he suggested that we should take some lessons

Where: In my hometown near Sao Paulo, Brasil

Who was your teacher: I trained with Master ‘Careca’ until 2003, when I was promoted to brown belt; in order to get top class trainging for competitions, then ‘Careca’ decided to join the TT jiu-jitsu, a team that had just been formed by Tere (6x World Champion) and Telles. Terere stopped teaching in 2004, and the Telles formed the NineNine jiu-jitsu, my current BJJ team

Who are the influences in your jiu-jitsu style: Obviously ‘Careca’ played an important role in my game. He got that old school way of teaching, lots of warm up drillis and tight positions with lots of pressure! Terere also influenced my style with his amazing loose approach to the attacks, like going with the flow and always looking to take the back. Then Telles, a master in turtle guard, added a different touch to my game. Finally, all my training partners along these 14 years helped me to improve my game, such as Andre Galvao, Flavio Jr, Chuck, Carlos Galvao, ‘Cobrinha’, Lucas Lepro and Leon Amancio to name a few!

When were you promoted to black belt: In December 2005 by Master Telles

When did you move to the UK: In August 2005

Where: I teach in Bristol and Cardiff on a weekly basis and often visit my affiliated schools on the weekends

Why did you move: I had the opportunity to start my own BJJ club in Bristol so I took the chance. I also applied for University before moving and stufied to take a degree in Economics, which I graduated in 2008

Best jiu jitsu match: Terere vs Marelo Garcia at the Worlds in 2003

Have you ever fought in MMA: I fought once in the UK and won via a triangle

What is your goal in BJJ: As a competitor I’m aiming to win the World championships, as a teacher I want to see my students progressing and absorbing the art and BJJ philosophy

A message for the jiu-jitsu practitioners: I believe that everyone should train with heart, in that way you enjoy what you are doing and therefore progress much faster. Respect your teacher and training partners because they are the key to your progress.

A tip for competitions: When competing you should always learn from it, winning or losing. At the end of the day, improving your gram should be the important matter. Everyone can achieve their games in BJJ and also in life, all you need is discipline, focus and heart!

* The early version of the Ultimate Fighting Championship were different than today’s version of Mixed Martial Arts. The early UFC was eight men brackets, no time limit, no gloves and no weight divisions. Also known as ‘vale-tudo’ (anything goes)